Bicalutamide (By mouth)
bye-ka-LOO-ta-mide
Used with other medicine to treat prostate cancer.
Drug classes
Antiandrogen (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Bicalutamide is used together with another medicine to treat stage D2 metastatic prostate cancer (cancer that has spread) in men. Bicalutamide belongs to the group of medicines called antiandrogens. It works by blocking the effects of testosterone (a male hormone), which helps stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. Bicalutamide will always be given together with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog (e.g., goserelin or leuprolide).
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take this medicine at the same time each day.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines may affect how bicalutamide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Midazolam Blood thinner (including warfarin)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to bicalutamide.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or diabetes.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Liver problems Breast swelling and pain Changes in blood sugar levelsThis medicine may make you drowsy or sleepy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Do not stop using this medicine without talking to your doctor.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate, red or pink urine, difficult or painful urination
Chest pain or trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Increased hunger or thirst, tiredness, blurred vision
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Back, pelvic, or bone pain
Breast pain, swelling, or tenderness
Constipation, diarrhea, nausea
Dizziness
Sweating, warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest
Trouble getting an erection
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Casodex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.